What Is Tapu in Turkey? Legal Ownership Guide for 2025
If you plan to buy, sell, inherit, or apply for a residence permit in Turkey, you’ll need to understand one crucial document — Tapu.
This guide explains what a Tapu is, its legal meaning in 2025, key risks to avoid, and how to ensure your property ownership in Turkey is secure.
What Is Tapu in Turkey?
Tapu (Property Title Deed) is the official proof of ownership for real estate in Turkey. Without it, you cannot legally:
- Own or sell a property
- Transfer property to heirs
- Apply for Turkish citizenship or residence based on property ownership
Each Tapu document includes:
- Property address and cadastral number
- Type of property (residential, commercial, land)
- Owner’s name
- Ownership share (if multiple owners)
📌 Important: Holding the paper copy of a Tapu is not enough. Only official registration with the Land Registry Directorate (Tapu ve Kadastro Müdürlüğü) confirms legal ownership.
Common Risks with Tapu in Turkey
1. Outdated Tapu After Sale
Sometimes previous owners still have the physical Tapu. It may mislead buyers, but only the name in the land registry is valid.
2. Mortgages or Legal Restrictions
A Tapu might carry:
- Mortgages (ipotek)
- Liens or debts
- Legal bans on resale
✅ Check this easily through your e-Devlet account.
3. Wrong Property Type: Residential or Commercial?
If a property is registered as commercial, you can’t use it to get a residence permit, and you may face issues with utilities or habitation.
4. Right of First Refusal (Preemption)
If there are multiple owners, they may have the legal right to buy your share before you sell to someone else. This is especially common in family purchases or shared investments.
5. Doing It Alone: Risks of Self-Handling the Sale
Foreigners sometimes think they can manage a Tapu transfer themselves at the land registry. However:
- All documents are in Turkish — one misstep can invalidate the deal
- Hidden debts or legal blocks may exist
- You may unknowingly sign away rights or take on obligations
📌 Conclusion: Always work with a licensed lawyer or agent to protect your rights and avoid serious financial risks.
What Is "Aile Konutu" — Family Housing Status?
In Turkey, you can protect your spouse and children by registering your home as a family residence (Aile Konutu) in the Tapu.
Once registered:
- The property cannot be sold or mortgaged without the spouse’s consent
- Courts consider this status during divorce or inheritance
📌 This must be notarized and officially recorded in the Tapu.
Tapu & Inheritance in Turkey
Foreigners have equal inheritance rights in Turkey. Tapu can be passed on via a will or legally recognized heirs.
Here’s what to know:
- You’ll need a Certificate of Inheritance (Veraset İlamı)
- Heirs must pay a transfer tax and re-register the Tapu
- If multiple heirs exist, the Tapu will show each owner’s share
What to Check in Tapu Before Buying or Selling
✅ Exact property type and zoning (residential/commercial)
✅ İskan (Habitation license)
✅ Debts or encumbrances
✅ Suitability for citizenship or residence permit
✅ Shared ownership and legal disputes
✅ History of past sales (within 5 years)
Why You Should Always Check Tapu with a Lawyer or Agent
The Turkish real estate system can be complex and not always transparent. Even if a Tapu looks correct, risks remain:
- Wrong zoning or usage type
- Military or restricted areas (foreigners may not buy)
- Ownership disputes, fake listings, or outdated data
✅ MyAntalya® guides clients from property selection to final Tapu registration — and beyond.
Other Important Tapu Facts
- Tapu can be issued to multiple people (shared ownership)
- You can gift your property (without selling it)
- If you have a mortgage, it’s recorded in the Tapu
- Tapus are tamper-proof and digitally stored in the national registry
Want to Buy or Sell Property with a Clean Tapu?
Let MyAntalya® handle everything:
- Verify your Tapu through the land registry
- Provide valuation reports
- Ensure full legal support and translations
- Handle the entire process remotely if needed
📲 Message us on WhatsApp or request a free consultation on our website.
✅ MyAntalya® is a licensed real estate agency with 10+ years of experience and a full legal team.
